Children are developing 'Fortnite accents' after spending too much time playing the video game, experts warn

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With over 650 million registered players, Fortnite is without a doubt one of the most popular video games in the world. 

Now, experts have warned that some children are spending so much time playing the game that they're developing 'Fortnite accents'. 

The Fortnite accent is typically high-pitched and fast-faced, according to the experts at Preply. 

It also often features an upward inflection at the end of each sentence, almost as if everything is being said in the tone of a question. 

'Because of the game's young player base, it mimics the sound of an overly excited or frustrated child's voice,' Preply explained. 

If your child has developed the accent, experts say it could indicate that they're not spending enough time making real-world connections. 

'While gaming can be fun and even beneficial in moderation, it's also important for children to spend time interacting with others in person,' Preply added. 

'These real-world connections help support not only their language development, but also their social and emotional growth.'

Experts have warned that some children are spending so much time playing the game that they're developing 'Fortnite accents' (stock image) 

Fortnite was created by Epic Games in 2017, and includes a series of popular games such as Fortnite: Save the World, and Fortnite Battle Royale. 

With an age rating of PEGI ! (parental guidance recommended), it has proved hugely popular among children - who are even picking up the accent. 

'The accent is fuelled by the intense, sometimes chaotic nature of the game, especially when players get knocked down,' Preply explained. 

'When you die in Fortnite, you have to start from scratch, losing all the loot and perks you've built up.

'That can lead to a lot of high-pitched shouting, panicked chatter, and exaggerated expressions of frustration.'

The idea that a game is so influental that it can change your child's accent might sound quite dark. 

However, Preply claims that it's actually a perfectly natural phenomenon, called 'linguistic conversation'. 

'It's a subconscious way of adapting our speech to fit in, helping us feel more connected and accepted by the group,' the experts reassured.

With over 650 million registered players, Fortnite is without a doubt one of the most popular video games in the world

'It builds a sense of belonging and shared identity through language.

'Children and teens are especially prone to this. 

'Did you ever watch American TV shows as a kid and suddenly find yourself using American phrases or accents? That's linguistic conversion in action.'

Thankfully, the Fortnite accent isn't permanent - especially not in children and teens, whose speech habits are still developing. 

'Children's and teens' interests and hobbies are constantly evolving, and chances are that as they grow older, they'll find themselves in different social settings than online gaming lobbies,' Preply added. 

'Once they stop playing the game as frequently and start mixing with different people and peer groups, they'll usually revert to their original way of speaking, or shift to another style entirely.

'Most changes that happen through social mirroring aren't hard-wired, and in most cases, they'll naturally grow out of it.'

The news comes shortly after concerned parents in the US reported that their children were speaking with British accents after binge-watching Peppa Pig. 

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You say tomato... Increasing number of American children are speaking with British accents after binge-watching Peppa Pig during the pandemic 

X (Twitter) user @Supersly20 wrote: 'My 4 year baby girl loves watching Peppa Pig and I have noticed her accent and grammar is extraordinary.

'Last night I tucked her to sleep and she looks at me and says 'daddy, can you snuggle me' I was like what did you just say baby girl? I don't remember the last time I used that word,' he added.

Similarly, user @_fragilebxnes wrote: 'My child won't stop talking with an accent ever since she started watching peppa pig?????????'

'I'd like to thank Peppa Pig for the slight yet adorable British accent my toddler is acquiring. #mum #mummy,' added user @jenrofe.

WHAT IS FORTNITE? THE FREE TO PLAY GAME LAUNCHED IN 2017 AND HAS TAKEN THE WORLD BY STORM

Fortnite is a game that originally launched as a disk back in July 2017 and was then turned into a free-to-download game by its developer, Epic Games, in September. 

There are three forms of the game: 'Battle Royale', 'Save The World' and 'Playground'.

Save the world is the original form of the game and is currently not available to play as part of the free-to-download game, instead it comes as part of a £30 ($40) extra. 

It is a co-op mode with a story that's playable solo or online with friends.

Fortnite is a battle royale-style survival shooter where players create a superhero avatar and compete against each other on a dystopian island 

Users compete in teams of up to three to complete a variety of missions. 

It is rumoured that the game will be added to the free-to-play version of the game in the future. 

Whilst Save The World may be the original version of the game, its sister mode is by far the most popular. 

Battle Royale is a game of survival where players create a superhero avatar and compete against each other on a dystopian island.

Each game, or 'match' as each competition is known, starts with 100 players.

The aim of the game is to be the last one standing. Users can form allegiances and play in small groups.

To enable this and the interactive experience, the game allows completely open communication between players. 

Inspired by the Hunger Games novels and films, gamers search for weapons to help them survive. 

Armed with quirky weapons and amusing dances, the game has swept across the gaming world, with children flocking to it.  

While there is no exact figure on how many children play Fortnite, the game has so far pulled in an audience of over 125 million players. 

Playground is the latest addition to the game and is a consequence free mode with more loot and unlimited respawning to allow players to get creative.

It involved groups of up to four people working as a team and the players can hone their skills as the practise in advance of entering Battle Royale where they will face better players.